W oodbridge Volume 5 ▪ Issue 3 ▪ Number 42
March
LIFE
Your Life. Your Community. Your News.
March ▪ 2015
Community Directory
! r e n n i W t s e t n o C r ove
C
Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 8, at 2 a.m. Remember to move your clocks forward one hour when you go to bed Saturday night so you won’t be late to any upcoming activities. The series of articles featuring Woodbridge groups and clubs continues this month. Perhaps one of the activities will stimulate your interest. Participating in a group or club is a great way to meet new people and to learn something different (or hone a skill you already have).
View over Lake Rockwell Pepper Noble
By Carol Jo Hargreaves, WBL Editor
Inside
Bedford and Hancock . . . 7 Bridge Scores . . . . . . . . 12 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Events and Tours . . . . . . . 6 Garden Tasks . . . . . . . . 19 Groups and Clubs . . . . . . 8 Where in the World . . . . . 38 WOA Update . . . . . . . . . . 4
READ WBL ONLINE : http://issuu.com/ woodbridgelife
Contact us:
WBLIFE2012@gmail.com
I
n the December 2014 edition of Woodbridge LIFE, we announced our first Community Directory Cover Contest. Residents were invited to take part in the contest by submitting artwork representing “the Woodbridge lifestyle.” The deadline for submissions was December 31, 2014. A group of four volunteers from the Woodbridge LIFE Editorial Team reviewed the 29 contest entries, all but one of which was deemed appropriate to represent “the Woodbridge lifestyle,” and carefully selected the top four. To avoid any appearance of bias or favoritism, a panel of two outside judges independently selected the winner and first runner up. The two outside judges were Glenn Kahl, professional photographer and reporter for the Manteca Bulletin, and Arvin Tehrani, graphic designer and owner of Contrast Media Labs, a digital marketing
company. The judges were given the top four entries and a judge’s score sheet upon which to document their decisions. Congratulations to Pepper Noble of Cobblecreek Street for the winning entry, an original painting titled, “View over Lake Rockwell.” (See above.) Pepper’s name and a photograph of her painting will be printed on the cover of the 2015 Woodbridge Community Directory. Cheers to First Runner Up, Sandi Larson of Gardenstone Place, for her nighttime view of Woodbridge’s Lakeview Clubhouse. Sandi’s photograph may be seen on page 10 of this newspaper. We thank the two contest entrants for their participation and look forward to next year’s Community Directory Cover Contest.
www.ourwoodbridge.net
Woodbridge LIFE By Dodie Miller, Activities Director
By Carol Jo Hargreaves, WBL Editor
I
This month’s cover story announces the results of the first Community Directory Cover Contest. Our thanks and congratulations go to Pepper Noble and Sandi Larson! Watch for the 2015 directory to be distributed by your Neighborhood Watch Block Captains in March. We herald the return of “From the Boardroom” after several months’ hiatus. Residents are eager to hear from elected directors and other board members and we are pleased Roger Cunning will write a regular column on behalf of the group. In addition, we welcome new columnist Pamela Ciapessoni of Riverside Management who, on a monthly basis, will communicate educational information in her column, “From the WOA.” March is the month we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and the wearing of the green (and orange). You’ll find an interesting compilation of shamrock trivia by Mike Spence on page 35 as well as a fascinating article about leprechauns on page 32. Bill Barnhart concludes his two-part Woodbridge history series on page 31 and offers ways to diagnose issues in your home in his useful Household Hints series on page 16. If you were unable to attend the Women of Woodbridge’s annual High Tea, you missed a beautiful and memorable event. See Birdie Nieri’s article and photos on page 11.
Page 3 • March 2015
From Dodie's Desk
From the Editor n March we celebrate the official arrival of spring and I am, without doubt, ready for warmer temperatures and longer hours of daylight! I welcome spring’s sunshine and flowers and look forward to an end of dull gray weather and the overwhelming desire to stay indoors.
S Carol Jo Hargreaves, WBL Editor Also coming up this month (next Monday, in fact) is Read Across America Day. This day celebrates reading and is held on Dr. Seuss’ birthday in recognition of his popular and fun-to-read children’s books. As an avid reader and a person with educational background and work experience in libraries, I am thrilled to celebrate reading. According to a fortune cookie I recently received at the end of a Chinese meal, “Leaders are readers.” Perhaps Harry Truman once ate at the same place, as evidenced by his famous quote: “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” Kelsey Meyer, a PR firm vice president, asserted in Forbes magazine, “… reading reminds you, challenges you and gives you opportunities to interact with others.” Chris Mullen, a high level administrator at Colorado State University, adds “… reading gives us a necessary break from reality and provides stress relief.” Noted motivational speaker Zig Ziglar admonishes, “The benefits of becoming a reader for life are extensive, … develop or expand your own reading habits. If you read extensively, you will not only have more fun in life but, in all probability, more financial and community success as a result.“ Thanks for reading Woodbridge LIFE! ~ Carol Jo and the Woodbridge LIFE team
t. Patrick’s Day is heading our way March 17 and with it comes the legend of “finding that pot of gold.” We have all heard that a pot of gold is at the end of a rainbow. When you see a rainbow, have you ever tried to see where it begins and where it ends? I’ve chased a few rainbows in the past but have never seen the end, so I’ll never know if there really is a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. I know many of you have found your “pot of gold” here at Woodbridge and every day brings something new. As we begin to celebrate the Irish tradition of wearing green and Dodie Miller, WOA Activities Director indulging in a corned beef and cabbage dinner, our Men of Woodbridge group will be conducting the traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner for Woodbridge residents, March 16. You will find more details as well as the menu in today’s paper. I would be very receptive to hearing about any ideas, acts, bands, etc., you may know and to determine if they fit into the Woodbridge lifestyle. I bring back bands, shows, etc., that have appeared here because of popularity expressed by the residents wanting to see and hear them again. I try to keep a variety of entertainers, bands and shows, but I also have to consider the cost to keep ticket prices down and reasonable. We can’t have some acts because of their cost.
See
DODIE page 17
Page 4 • March 2015
Woodbridge LIFE
M
By Ramon Rivera
Ramon Rivera, Operations Manager grow and be successful is second to none. I have the confidence and skills to reach the goals we will set for our Woodbridge team. I will not do this on my own; it will be a complete team effort. I ask each resident here to reach out to me with whatever concerns you may have, big or small. I will be the one to resolve your issues. I will always make time to sit down and listen to each and every one of you. Communication is our greatest tool in our quest to make Woodbridge the best community it can be. Woodbridge runs in my veins and your community couldn’t be in better hands. Woodbridge is my pot of gold! I had the opportunity to share this moment with my closest loved ones and I wanted to take this opportunity to share this joyous experience with the Woodbridge family.
By Ramon Rivera
Our streetlight repairs have been completed and we also took precautionary measures to prevent wire theft from happening again. We had our contractor, Kirkes Electric, create concrete vaults for the electrical boxes that supply power to the lights. This measure will hopefully deter any further
www.ourwoodbridge.net
MPR Flooring
WOA Update Streetlight Repair Freedom Walkway
to allow a more colorful and fuller look this season. We also received many concerns about the visibility of cars driving down Del Webb Boulevard when trying to make turns off intersecting streets (Bellchase and Peppertree). We have trimmed down the garlic and morea lily plants to allow new growth and also create better views to avoid any traffic accidents.
Operations Manager Update arch is here, Woodbridge! Our theme for the month couldn’t be more perfect: “Your pot of gold at Woodbridge.” March brings that feeling of luck and I feel like the luckiest man on planet earth. I have accepted the position of Operations Manager and I must say it was one of the best days of my life. Woodbridge has done so much for me and now I’m in a position where I can truly give back to the community and the people who make this all possible. I want to thank everyone in our community, from our residents to our staff, for the overwhelming support you have demonstrated. These demonstrations have come in the form of hugs, handwritten letters, emails and phone calls. It has truly been a humbling experience, an experience and an opportunity I wouldn’t trade for the world. I will give everything I have to make Woodbridge the absolute best community for our residents. I am very proud to serve you, the residents, and look forward to fostering a culture built around a positive “can-do” attitude. Our foundation will be built around taking in customer concerns and continuously improving our operations to positively impact each resident on a daily basis. My passion to see Woodbridge
thefts. We ask residents to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity and please report immediately to the police department or Neighborhood Watch.
Landscape Update:
GP Landscape has been out in full force getting our community ready for spring. Throughout the community, you will notice all the crape myrtle trees have been pruned
Our flooring project is complete and the floor in the Multipurpose Room looks amazing. We are happy to have finished this project with no issues. We extend a big thanks to our Property and Grounds Committee members for their awesome efforts putting this project together. They did the research and found an excellent contractor in Dave Boberg Wood Floors. We couldn’t have asked for a better result. Thank you for your patience. We’re glad to be back in business. (See page 29 for photos.)
From the Boardroom
By Roger Cunning, Vice President of the Woodbridge Owners Association
In this monthly column, Roger Cunning will write on behalf of all board members and include input from other directors from time to time.
I
t is a pleasure to write information about our Board of Directors’ strategic direction this month. Without any hesitation, the Board of Directors welcomes Ramon Rivera as our Operations Manager. Ramon is clearly the best person for this position. His first day officially on the job was Monday, February 2 … also known as Groundhog Day. Yes, the sun shone on Ramon and he saw his shadow, so we are blessed and hoping for six more weeks of wintry weather… also known as rain. Many residents have asked about Ramon’s title, Operations Manager. The former position was Executive Director. In the Pulte and Del Webb communities across the country, Executive Director is a title reserved for very large associations that have the management company and the Operations Manager rolled up into one person. We contract our professional management services out, in this case to Riverside Management and Financial Services, Inc., and they are quite outstanding. The entire staff reports to Ramon as our Operations Manager. Likewise, several committees report to Ramon either directly or through other staff members: Property and Grounds, Policy and Procedures, Communications, Lifestyle, Welcoming and others that may be needed. The Operations Manager reports directly to the Board of Directors. Likewise, the professional management company also reports directly to the Board of Directors. Riverside Management and our Operations Manager work extremely closely together, each complimenting the other See
BOARDROOM page 5
www.ourwoodbridge.net From
BOARDROOM page 4
Woodbridge LIFE
from a different perspective. Both have specific responsibilities and skill sets that are unique, yet they need each other to ensure the best of all worlds for our community, helping all of us enjoy living together. The Board of Directors pledged during their January meeting that they would begin a series of Town Hall meetings to address necessary changes to our association’s governing documents to bring us current with existing law and normally accepted practices. Our Town Hall meeting in February was cancelled because of the refinishing of the floor in our Multipurpose Room. It was for a good cause, as the floor now looks outstanding. We have scheduled a couple of meetings in March to allow for these necessary discussions. The Town Hall meetings will provide a forum for an interactive discussion to fully understand the reasons each potential change may be worthwhile. Naturally, the board’s desire is to have high attendance at these meetings. If an overwhelming majority of attendees believe a particular item should not be changed, the board will clearly take that into account as it moves forward. The Board of Directors desires to provide a level of openness into
Page 5 • March 2015
its decision-making processes that is absolutely transparent. We welcome your input.
WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.
Board of Directors (l to r) Garry Dudley, Christine Carlson, Carl Hansen, John Johnson and Roger Cunning.
From the WOA Policy Governance By Pamela Ciapessoni
The Board
Today’s board is required to lead and direct the business of the Woodbridge Owners Association. This direction and leadership is accomplished through strong policy. Often owners believe that it is the board’s duty to manage the day-to-day operations; this is simply untrue. Once the developer transitions off the board, the community will then elect homeowner board members annually. Due to staggered terms, continuity within a community is accomplished with experienced management, staff and clearly defined board policy. The board acts as the governing body through its rules and state and federal laws. As the elected body of the corporation, the board governs and protects the assets of the corporation. Board members serve as fiduciaries for your community. As the official officers of the corporation, they are bound by legal principles and are required to follow the good business judgment rule in all of their decisions. As defined in the Davis Sterling Act, “As fiduciaries, board members are held to a higher standard than fellow homeowners. To avoid personal liability for their decisions,
Pamela Ciapessoni, Riverside Management the good business judgment rule requires directors to act in good faith. They should act in the best interest of the corporation and should rely on professional opinion.” Owning a home in Woodbridge entitles you to membership in the homeowners association. This membership gives you the security in knowing that your community has set standards for the operation and management of the development. Providing set standards for your community will ensure the success of the corporation for many years to come. This model also preserves your investment. The community’s governing documents and rules provide the structure for the business of the corporation. Boards must also rely on state and federal laws.
The board delegates through policy how these laws and rules will be managed. The board is required to act as any prudent person would act when making decisions for the corporation. Board members are required to: enforce documents, establish sound fiscal policies, approve an adequate budget, establish reserve funds, determine assessments, collect assessments, create and enforce rules, select professionals (such as attorneys, CPAs and insurance providers), provide insurance, attend meetings, review financial reports, establish committees and appoint committee members. The operation of the Woodbridge Owners Association is like running any other business. Enhancing the community and protecting the assets of the corporation are the primary goals. The Woodbridge community has experienced significant change since its inception. More change is likely to occur as the roughly 400 remaining homes are sold. As the community transitions from a developer to a homeowner board, the policy set today will ensure an exciting and prosperous future for current and future homeowners at Woodbridge. Serving as a board member is not a volunteer position that can be taken lightly. Although it can be a rewarding experience, board members have a responsibility to the corporation, while serving the best interests of the community.
Page 6 • March 2015
Woodbridge Owners Association Committees ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW • Mike Wallick, Chair mike.wallick@pultegroup.com FINANCE • April Oakland, Chair april@riversidemgmt.com LIFESTYLE • Dodie Miller, Chair millerdodie@gmail.com 824-7927 POLICY & PROCEDURES • Debby Hickey, Chair debbyhick@comcast.net 629-8737 PROPERTY & GROUNDS • Ramon Rivera, Chair rrivera@ourwoodbridge.net 495-6803 COMMUNICATION • Ramon Rivera, Chair rrivera@ourwoodbridge.net 495-6803 •
Carol Jo Hargreaves, Woodbridge LIFE Editor and Directory Chair cjohargreaves@gmail.com 823-3538
WELCOMING COMMITTEE • Diana Clements, Co-Chair tenor4@comcast.net 665-4353 •
Jeanne Tebbutt, Co-Chair jltebbutt@gmail.com 923-4356 NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS
• Bill Barnhart bill.barnhart@mrbconsulting.us 629-8838
Woodbridge LIFE
www.ourwoodbridge.net
Coming to Woodbridge EVENTS and TOURS - March / April 2015 By Dodie Miller, Activities Director CRAB FEED – Monday, March 2 @ 5 p.m. – All you can eat crab, tossed green salad, pasta, bread, butter and dessert. You may bring your beverage of choice. Tickets are $45 per person and went on sale February 3. WHAT’S FUNNY AFTER 50? – Saturday, March 7. Doors open @ 6:30 p.m. – Comedian Dan St. Paul mixes humor with real life situations for lots of laughter during his show. He’s appeared on NBC, ABC, Fox and other programs. You may bring your beverage of choice and snacks. Tickets are $9 per person and went on sale February 6. AUSTRALIAN BEE GEES @ GALLO CENTER – Wednesday, March 11 Bus leaves the Clubhouse at 4:15 p.m. – Make reservations through Setness Tours. Ticket includes dinner at the Clarion Hotel with three entrée choices, orchestra seating and coach transportation. For reservations, call Setness Tours at 209-476-8486. Cost is $139 per person. SPEAKER SERIES – Thursday, March 12 @ 2 p.m. – Women of Woodbridge hosts Oakdale Cowboy Museum Executive Director Christie Camarillo who will talk about Oakdale’s cowboy history. All residents invited. Signups will be taken at the front desk. WINE 101 – Thursday, March 12 @ 6 p.m. – All details for the March class will be issued by Jon Ford. See Jon’s article in this edition of Woodbridge LIFE. Sign-ups will be taken at the front desk. ST. PATRICK’S DAY DINNER – Monday, March 16. Doors open @ 5 p.m. – Men of Woodbridge is putting on another traditional St. Patrick’s Day dinner. Corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, rolls, butter and dessert will be served. You may bring your beverage of choice.
Important Notice About Cancellations
Tickets are $10 per person and went on sale February 20. ST. PATRICK’S DAY DANCE Tuesday, March 17. Doors open @ 5 p.m. - We are bringing in DJ Natalia for some great dancing music. We’re looking for people wearing lots of green! Gourmet sandwiches, chips and fruit tartlets will be provided. You may bring your beverage of choice. Tickets are $8 per person and went on sale February 19. SAN FRANCISCO FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW – Wednesday, March 18. This event is held at the San Mateo Event Center. The bus leaves the Clubhouse at 7:15 a.m. You may have independent lunchtime at one of the vendors or you may bring your own lunch. Make your reservations through Setness Tours @ 209-476-8486. Cost is $89 per person. BRUBECK INSTITUTE JAZZ QUINTET – Wednesday, March 18 @ 6:30 p.m. – Once again, the University of the Pacific Jazz Quintet will give us an evening of jazz and share how they became part of the quintet. If you love jazz, you will thoroughly enjoy this evening of music. Please sign up at the front desk. RANDY RIGGLE’S NOSTALGIA SHOW – Wednesday, March 25. Doors open @ 6:30 p.m. – Nostalgia takes you down memory lane with your ’57 Chevy as we remember times and people who changed our lives. You’ll be taken back through the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s. Randy entertains you on a trip filled with songs and laughs in this journey through the times of your life. Tickets are $8 per person and go on sale March 2. BRUSH & CORK – Monday, March 30 @ 5 p.m. - A little wine, a little paint, a lot of fun! You don’t need to be an experienced painter – beginners and advanced are welcome. You receive
a canvas, paints and brushes, even what you’re going to paint. Cheese, crackers and finger foods will be provided. Tickets are $30 per person and on sale March 5. POTLUCK NIGHT – Tuesday, March 31 @ 5:30 p.m. - It’s Stuff It night – i.e., stuffed peppers, stuffed cabbage rolls, stuffed zucchini, etc., salads, desserts, bread and butter. Bring your beverage of choice. Coffee and water will be provided. Sign up at the front desk. SPAGHETTI FEED – Thursday, April 2 @ 5:30 p.m. - Pasta w/sauce, tossed green salad, bread and butter and dessert. You may bring your beverage of choice. Tickets are $10 per person and go on sale March 5. RHYTHM RIDERS – Saturday, April 4. Doors open @ 6:30 p.m. – If you haven’t seen this group before, they are very talented and entertaining. They portray Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline in a most enjoyable show. You may bring your beverage of choice. Tickets are $20 per person and go on sale March 9. FILOLI MANSION & GARDENS – Tuesday, April 7. The bus leaves the Clubhouse at 7:30 a.m. Enjoy a tour of the beautiful mansion and gardens which are spectacular in the spring. Lunch will be at the Trellis Restaurant with four entrée choices. Coach transportation is included. Make your reservation through Setness Tours at 209-476-8486. Cost is $109 per person. VAUDEVILLE TROUPE FROM LINCOLN HILLS – Saturday, April 18. Doors open @ 5 p.m. – The Veterans of Woodbridge will be having a soup kitchen and finger food served from 5 to 6 p.m. You may bring your
See
COMING page 17
When you have signed up for an event, activity or tour and you find you are unable to attend, please, as a courtesy to others, call the Clubhouse front desk (824-7581) to cancel. If the event has a wait list, the front desk can fill the vacancy from the list. Thank you.
www.ourwoodbridge.net
Reaching Out Lakeview Clubhouse: 824-7581
Board of Directors
John Johnson, President Roger Cunning, Vice President Christine Carlson, Treasurer Garry Dudley, Secretary Carl Hansen, Director at Large
Resident Directors
Roger: 647-4380 / Garry: 648-4868
Operations Manager
Ramon Rivera:
495-6803
Activities Director
Dodie Miller:
Lifestyle Manager
Erika Smith:
824-7927 824-7581
Management
Riverside Management PO BOX 697 Roseville, CA 9566 916-740-2462
The opinions expressed in Woodbridge LIFE’s feature articles, paid advertisements and editorial content do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper or the Woodbridge Owners Association.
WOODBRIDGE LIFE MISSION STATEMENT: “Woodbridge LIFE is a celebration of the diversified residents of Woodbridge by Del Webb in Manteca – a look at their accomplishments, an exploration of their hopes and dreams, a place to share joy, announce activities and bring neighbors together. Woodbridge LIFE strives to enhance the lives of all residents and exceed expectations with informative articles, lively features, a calendar of events and more.”
Woodbridge LIFE
Page 7 • March 2015
Woodbridge LIFE
2401 Morning Brook Drive Manteca, CA 95336
209-824-7581
www.ourwoodbridge.net PUBLISHER
WOA
EDITOR
Carol Jo Hargreaves
824-7581
823-3538
ADVERTISING Erika Smith
WBL EDITORIAL TEAM Bill Barnhart Sharyl Burgeson Carol Jo Hargreaves Jean Kavale Ann King Judy McNamara Dodie Miller Volker Moerbitz Pepper Noble Ramon Rivera, chair Erika Smith Mike Spence
824-7581 629-8838 239-1492 823-3538 629-8571 650-464-0151 923-4718 824-7927 239-7965 239-1933 495-6803 824-7581 924-8032
Woodbridge LIFE is a free monthly publication of the Woodbridge Owners Association, a nonprofit organization serving the residents of the Woodbridge by Del Webb community in Manteca, CA. Woodbridge LIFE invites stories, photographs, comments, cartoons, jokes and any other information that would be of interest to residents. We reserve the right to accept or refuse submissions and edit for content and length. We also reserve the right to refuse advertising or articles that in our opinion do not reflect the standards of the newspaper. The opinions expressed, whether by paid advertisement or editorial content, do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper or the Woodbridge Owners Association. Content submitted may be edited, reprinted and acknowledged without consent unless specifically requested. Woodbridge LIFE proofreaders use the Associated Press Stylebook, “the journalist’s bible,” as a writing and editing reference. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork. Materials submitted with a self-addressed, stamped envelope will be returned. Contents copyright © 2015 by Woodbridge Owners Association. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.
Contact us:
WBLIFE2012@gmail.com
The deadline for submission of articles for the April 2015 edition of Woodbridge LIFE is Thursday, March 5, 2015. Please email your articles to wblife2012@gmail.com
Page 8 • March 2015
WOA Groups and Clubs: Groups & Clubs Artists & Crafters Ballroom Dance Bocce Ball Bridge Bunco Bunco-also contact Chair Volleyball
Woodbridge LIFE
Contact Nedra Ball Patti Barnhart Rick Hyden Don St. Lawrence Mary Braun Susan Russitano Jacquie Steffy Renée St. Lawrence Dave Steffy Dona Eberhardt
Phone 815-9309 629-8838 824-9257 825-7137 239-0409 275-5817 825-4805
Meeting Day And Time M-F, Time & Workshops vary Thursdays @ 4:15 p.m. Sundays @ 2 p.m. Mondays @ 10 a.m. 3rd Monday @ 6:30 p.m. 3rd Monday @ 6:30 p.m. Various Mondays & Tuesdays
825-7137 825-4805 629-8069
Game Night Game Night-also contact Grandparents Hand & Foot
Pat Buxton
239-8663
Thursdays @ 10 a.m. Tuesdays @ 7 p.m. Thursdays @ 12:30 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays @ 6:30 p.m.
Rick Hyden Claudia Watkins Ruth Field
824-9257 823-8678 229-6977
Line Dancing Line Dancing (Evening) Men of Woodbridge Neighborhood Watch Paddle Tennis Pickleball Pinochle
Patti Barnhart Bill Goodwin Bill Goodwin Bob Hall Bob Hall Bob Hall Robert Philis
629-8838 823-9767 823-9767 239-5712 239-5712 239-5712 825-3053
Poker
Al Sanchez
239-8235
Crochet/Knitting Cribbage Drama
Poker - also contact Joe Victoria Radio Controlled Flyers Bob Umberger Renée St. LawReaders’ Group rence Second Chance Band John Green Senior Golf Chuck Gary Silver Sluggers Softball Butch Larson Strummin’ Wonders Carla Marquardt Tennis Mel Topping Trivia Eileen Hill Veterans Jack Dauler Walking Indoors Jacque Reynolds Wheels of Woodbridge Bill Barnhart Women of Woodbridge Birdie Nieri Wine 101 Jon Ford Woodbridge Singers Elizabeth Cunning
815-9343 239-2983
Wednesdays @ 6:30 p.m. Days and times vary W-F-SA-SU @ 1 p.m. Thursdays @ 7 p.m. M-W-F @ 9:15 a.m. Fridays @ 6 p.m. 2nd Monday @ 10 a.m. Patrols Mondays @ 6 p.m. M-F Time varies M @ 2:15pm & TH @ 1 p.m. Wed @ 1:30 p.m. & Fri @ 5:30 p.m. Wed @ 1:30 p.m. & Fri @ 5:30 p.m. Days and times vary
825-7137 239-5256 834-6795 824-2062 624-3754 239-8718 624-3945 629-8575 629-8508 629-8838 624-3779 815-9803 647-4380
1st Wed @ 10:30 a.m. Days and times vary Various golf courses Seasonal Mondays @ 2:15 p.m. SU - TU - TH @ 9 a.m. 3rd Tuesday @ 7 p.m. 2nd Monday @ 4 p.m. M-W-F @ 8:30 a.m. 1st Tuesday @ 10:45 a.m. 3rd Wed @ 11 a.m. Days vary Every other Monday @ 7 p.m.
Updated per Dodie Miller, 1/29/15
Non-WOA Sanctioned Clubs: Club Christian Men 55ers RV Group "Just Fore Fun" Ladies' Golf Red Hat Ladies Senior Bowling Women's Bible Study
Contact Mel Reynolds Sue Edmiston Betty Buff Claudia Watkins Barbara Silva Carolyn Johnson
Phone 624-3768 601-9210 479-3568 823-8678 824-0262 239-0936
Please refer to www.ourwoodbridge.net for more detailed information
www.ourwoodbridge.net
www.ourwoodbridge.net
March Activities Sunday
Monday
2
1
8
Woodbridge LIFE
Tuesday
3
Wednesday
4
T hur sday
5
Page 9 • March 2015
Fr i d a y
6
Saturday
7
5 p.m. - Crab Feed
6:30 p.m. - What’s
Date change
Funny After 50?
9
10
11
12
13
14
12 p.m. - Ladies’ Lun-
2 p.m. - Speaker Series
cheon
6 p.m. - Wine 101
19
20
21
26
27
28
4:15 p.m. - Australian Bee Gees @ Gallo – Setness Tours
15
16
17
18
5 p.m. - MOW St. Pat-
5 p.m. - St. Patrick’s Day
7:15 a.m. - S.F. Flower &
rick’s Day Dinner
Dance
Garden Show – Setness 6:30 p.m. - Brubeck Institute Jazz Quintet
22
23
24
25 6:30 p.m. - Randy Riggle’s Nostalgia Show
29
30
31
5 p.m. - Brush & Cork
5:30 p.m. - Potluck Night
► Clubs and groups are listed on page 8.
More detailed information may be found on the Woodbridge portal and at the Lakeview Clubhouse.
April Activities Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
1
5
6
7
8
7:30 a.m. - Filoli
12 p.m. – Ladies’ Lun-
Mansion & Gardens –
cheon
Thursday
2
Friday
3
Saturday
4
5:30 p.m. - Spaghetti
6:30 p.m. - Rhythm
Feed
Riders (Cash & Cline)
9
10
11
16
17
18
Setness Tours
12
13
14
15 6 p.m. - Wine 101
5 p.m. - Lincoln Hills Variety Show
19
20
21
22
23
27
28 5:30 p.m. - Potluck Night
25
5 p.m. - Denim & Dia-
10:30 a.m. - A Day at the
monds Dance w/Jerry
Races – Setness Tours
Sauceda DJ
26
24
29
30
Page 10 • March 2015
s t n e v E g n i Com
Woodbridge LIFE
www.ourwoodbridge.net
As a courtesy to Woodbridge residents, we are providing the following event information to assist in planning and obtaining tickets. Please note: This information is subject to change. Contact the Clubhouse front desk if you have questions.
Name of Event Mother's Day Breakfast Clubhouse Anniversary Decades Woodbridge Singers Spring Concert Mama's Wranglers & Cloggers Happy Hour Blood Bank Drive The Swingin' Blue Stars Cole Porter's Musical "Anything Goes" - Setness Tours The Illusionists - Setness Tours '50s Dance w/In-N-Out Burgers
Event Date
Purchase Tickets Starting:
5/2/15 5/5/15 5/9/15 5/12/15 5/19/14 5/29/15 5/26/15 6/2/15
4/7/15 No Ticket 4/9/15 No Ticket 4/24/15 4/24/15 No Ticket 5/7/15
6/13/15 6/14/15 6/20/15
Now Now 5/22/15
POTLUCK NIGHT TUESDAYS 2015 MARCH 31 – STUFF IT APRIL 28 – CHILI & CORNBREAD MAY 26 – MEXICAN FIESTA JUNE 30 – PIZZAS & SALADS
Community Directory Cover Contest First Runner Up! Woodbridge's Lakeview Clubhouse Sandi Larson
www.ourwoodbridge.net
Woodbridge LIFE
WOMEN OF WOODBRIDGE
Women's Tea "Wowed" the Crowd Story by Birdie Nieri, WOW President and WBL photos by Volker Moerbitz.
P
inky fingers rose to attention, cups were filled with aromatic tea, and fancy brimmed and colorful hats and ear-to-ear grins were on display. The annual ladies’ teas were, once again, a delight to the senses. The 20 tables were adorned with fanciful themes representing their “destination.” We were treated to a “Walk down the Aisle” with a replica Gibson Girl doll at the altar. We strolled through a “Farmers’ Market,” sat seaside at the “Beach,” glimpsed at New York City’s “Big Apple,” peeked inside at the “Golden Years,” traveled to the “Far East,” got chilled at the “North Pole,” witnessed the Eiffel Tower in “Paris,” and went into “The Woods.” We had a coffee break at “Starbucks,” checked the playbill for “The Theater,” loved “Valentine’s Day,” burst into “Spring Time,” visited “Heaven,” and remembered Mary DiMaggio on a trip down “Memory Lane.” One hostess even transported us to “Mars.” Twenty-six hostesses served the two-day event. Their imaginative ideas for table decorations were executed skillfully. These ladies are just wonderful to be with and play tea party. Every little girl’s dream is a fabulous tea party and we created one for ourselves. Fun! Fun! Fun! Culinary students of Manteca Unified School District created the catered meal of delicate tea sandwiches, savory breads, sweet tarts and Waldorf salad. They do a splendid job and we are pleased that proceeds from this event will go directly back to the Manteca Unified School District (MUSD), earmarked for the homeless children’s fund. Representatives from MUSD were on hand each day to remind us how appreciated our donation is each year to their homeless children’s fund. Sadly, there are more than 800 children yearly who are sleeping on a relative or
friend’s couch or in a car or a motel. The need is great and we’re glad that we are, once again, able to help. Saturday’s speaker, Kerry Harris, is well-known in the Manteca community as a realtor, past owner of the Main Street Café and cookbook author. She now spends much of her time as a wellness coach for others and continues to improve herself with the same advice. She delivered an informational speech directed Table 5: In a Fairy Garden. at the older woman in today’s society. Sunday’s entertainment was Sandra Risser, professional comedienne who is very familiar with the retirement community and has done many “gigs” throughout her career. Her bio lists her as “… funny, smart and older than Twinkies. She’s eccentric, not crazy, drives in the fast lane and claims she can still bench press 500 grams.” Her 15-minute dialogue brought many grins and giggles to the party attendees. She delivered as advertised. The Men of Woodbridge, looking splendid in their matching red shirts and exhibiting their most polite demeanor, catered to the women by serving iced and hot Table 16: Heaven. tea refills. They manned the kitchen and we owe much of our success to their helpfulness in set up, serving and tear down. If we haven’t told you lately, Men of Woodbridge, you are certainly appreciated. You, too, can become part of the wonderful events the Women of Woodbridge plan. Come to monthly meetings and see what we’re all about. What’s better than women sharing ideas for women? Come and be part of the action and planning. We’d love to see you. Look for more information about Women of Woodbridge’s next signature event, the Take a Sip for Scholarship production in May. We could use your hands and your ideas.
Table 20: East meets West.
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Woodbridge LIFE
At the Clubhouse By Don St. Lawrence
FEB 9:
Grace Pasion Don Harris Phil McCallion Kathy Comden Cherie Ford Phyllis Tindell Letha Watson Lee Stern Marilyn Larson Robi Cornelius
FEB 16:
Shirley Lopes Phil McCallion Kathy Comden Marilyn Larson Betty Buff Dave Lopes Phyllis Tindell
4730 4080 3800 3770 3740 3680 3020 2680 2620 2520 2320 1620 6430 4810 3980 3730 3380 3090 2930 2820 2470 2210 5680 4700 4280 3320 2870 2810 2710
By Paul E. Serpa, Senior Fitness Specialist
The Bridge group meets Mondays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Oxford Room.
Lee Stern Phil McCallion Don Harris Robi Cornelius Cherie Ford Phyllis Tindell Sharyl Burgeson Barbara Kreps Kathy Comden Betty Buff Marilyn Larson Don St. Lawrence
FITNESS Resistance Training for Golf?
BRIDGE
Bridge Scores FEB 2:
T Robi Cornelius Cherie Ford Lee Stern Don Harris Nancy Hansen Don St. Lawrence
FEB 23:
Phyllis Tindell Phil McCallion Shirley Lopes Carolee Jones Kathy Comden Lee Stern Letha Watson Cherie Ford Don Harris Betty Buff Marilyn Larson Dave Lopes
2620 2380 2310 2270 2190 1530
4520 4190 3530 3300 3250 3140 3090 2730 2720 2400 1990 1990
his is a Phase I, Level I, Stabilization and Endurance training program, according to the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and is designed to decrease muscle imbalance while increasing joint stability. It will help to improve overall control of the kinetic chain, which will enhance the golfer’s endurance and mechanics while playing golf. This program consists of low volume and lowto-medium training intensity. The warm up begins with SMR (foam rollers). Start with the IT band, progressing to the piriformis and thoracic spine. Each should be performed for one set at 60 seconds.
www.ourwoodbridge.net The next phase would be Static Stretching, starting with the gastrocnemius (calf muscle), kneeling hip flexors, standing adductor stretch and a ball latissimus dorsi stretch. Each is performed for one set of 30 seconds. This is followed the by the Core and Balance phase, consisting of prone iso-abs (plank), floor bridge and single leg balance with reach. Each is performed for one set with 12 reps. The final phase is the Resistance Phase. Begin with a standing cable chest press; move on to ball dumbbell cobra, single leg scaption and finally a box step-up to balance. Again, one set each for 12 reps. Always remember to cool down after, using the same foam roller and or static stretching used for the warm up. The golf fitness specialist at the Lakeview Clubhouse is available to help with proper form and full range of motion.
Arts ARTISTS & CRAFTERS Spring Ahead By Penny Dauler
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t’s already that time of year. Time to put our clocks ahead one hour. Time to spend more time outside. Time to turn off the fireplace, turn down the heat, and replace the candles with flowers. It is time also for the artists and crafters of Woodbridge to be out and about. In March we have several opportunities to travel out of Woodbridge to enjoy the spring weather and many craft offerings. The Manteca Quilt Show will be held Saturday, March 7, and Sunday, March 8. A new location for this show is the old Best Buy Store in the Promenade in the shopping center near Bass Pro. On March 19, 20 and 21, the BIG Sacramento Quilt Show at Cal Expo is a nice day trip.
If you would rather stay closer to home, Monday, March 2, we will have a new class. Kathy Dezotte will be teaching an Easter Chick Wine Glass class. Our monthly general meeting, Friday, March 6, will include a potluck immediately after the meeting. No theme, no assigning you what to bring, just bring what you feel like making, sharing or eating. All regularly scheduled classes and workshops will be taking place in March. As always, check the calendar on the door to the Westport Room, come inside and grab a calendar from the yellow communications board or, better yet, sign up for one of the several specialty classes being offered in March. We are a fun group; we don’t bite, but we do laugh a lot. We would love for you to come and laugh with us.
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WOODBRIDGE READERS' GROUP
By Marie Evans
O
Woodbridge LIFE
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ur readers' group met at the Clubhouse to discuss our book selection for February. Sandi Young chose A Well-Tempered Heart by German author Jan-Philipp Sendker and presented it to us for discussion. Everyone in our group (11 at the February meeting) enjoyed reading and discussing this book. One of our members said she was surprised to find the author was a man because he seemed to be able to write about a woman and her feelings with such accuracy. Others echoed her sentiments. Our discussion was quite lively. The heroine is a fairly young and successful urbanite living in one of the world's greatest cities — New York. She finds herself drawn to visit her brother who lives in Myanmar (Burma). This visit becomes one of transformation for her. Her decisions led to much discussion about what we might do in her situation and how we would possibly cope with the seemingly
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insurmountable differences in lifestyle for a woman from NYC. But this tale is much more mysterious and engrossing than might be thought from what I have written, weaving love, empathy, danger and inner adventure with the more obvious challenges. For instance, A Well-Tempered Heart roams time at will, writing a multi-generational tale as it also weaves peace and safety with real and perceived danger. The Woodbridge Readers' Book Club meets the first Wednesday of every month at the Lakeview Clubhouse at 10:30 a.m. We discuss a book one of us chooses for each meeting. We read this book during the previous month and then discuss it at our meeting. Our group is not a tightly structured group and everyone can join the discussion. The person who has chosen the book-of-the-month leads the group in whatever way is comfortable for him/her. Should the leader choose not to, he/she could either leave the discussion open or ask someone else to lead the discussion. We are quite informal. Everyone who lives in Woodbridge is welcome to come to our book group. Our book for March is The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Trigiana. To find the books we are reading for the next few months, go to Our Woodbridge website and look under Discussion Groups; scroll down — we are at line ee, Book Club.
Bing Navarra, whom I met on the phone and through emails, submitted this article. Bing lives in Manteca but had been jamming with a ukulele group in Modesto. She was given my name and I invited her to be a guest at our Strummin' Wonders practice. When invited, Bing quickly wanted to share her story about "How the Ukulele Changed My Life." — Carla Marquardt
HOW THE UKULELE CHANGED MY LIFE By Bing Navarra
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he second half of 2014 was a very sad time for our family. On June 24, we lost our daughter who succumbed to a cerebral hemorrhage. I was devastated by her passing and lost interest in the various activities I had enjoyed before. No more Zumba classes, no more dinners out. I was simply depressed and found it hard to mingle with others. In October, we chanced to visit some friends in Pleasanton. One of these people had taken up the ukulele some six months earlier and another had just purchased her uke and was learning to play. The two of them “jammed” for a little bit and we all had great fun. I decided
MEN OF WOODBRIDGE By Jon Ford
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he Men of Woodbridge is a service club dedicated to the residents of Del Webb, Woodbridge and the community of Manteca. We stage a series of dinners/breakfasts for our Del Webb community with the intent of staging not-for-profit events. This is our way of "paying it forward," so to speak, for our residents. We also assist the Wheels of Woodbridge Car Club at the annual car show by offering an inexpensive hot dog lunch for the participants, workers and attendees. One hundred percent of the proceeds for our cooking efforts goes to the Second Harvest Food Bank. We have raised funds for donations to the Toys for Tots campaign run by the Marine Corps in December, donated funds for the Manteca K-9 corps of police dogs, and donated to other clubs in our community as need arises, such as a donation to the Woodbridge Veterans group for the Veterans Memorial to be erected in our new Liberty Park. We also assist in manning the phone banks one evening for the annual Boys/ Girls Club Tel-a-Thon. Our most recent event was our community Taco Feed spearheaded by our new club president Bill Goodwin. With the Men of Woodbridge volunteers contributing their time, we were able to supply a taco dinner to 160 people, almost breaking even on our expenses. The good thing that came out of this event is that we were able to add a couple
this would be something I would enjoy. Two weeks later, I bought a uke of my own and set about learning to play. As I had played guitar before, the simple mechanics of the fingerboard came pretty easily and within a fairly short time, I was able to play songs on my own or with my husband backing me up on his guitar. I was so taken with the uke and the variety of music that could be adapted to it, that I sought out resources to help further my interests. This has led to my joining several ukulele groups for practice, performing and socializing. While I shall never get over the sense of loss for my daughter, playing the ukulele with my husband and with my new circles of friends helps me to forget my pain for a while and lose myself in the music. of new chafing dishes to our inventory for future events. We thank Bill Goodwin for his coordination of this event as we feel it was a big success. We also thank Don Andersen who took care of the ordering and acquisition of cakes for the event. Our annual events include: The January Taco Feed, assisting the Women of Woodbridge in tea/water service at their annual February Tea, the March St. Patrick's Day Dinner (March 16, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.), The Mothers' Day Breakfast (May 2, 9 to 10:30 a.m. and 10 to 11:30 a.m.), assistance with Wheels of Woodbridge to man the barbecue (July 11), the Chili/Baked Potato Dinner, September 23 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and the Thanksgiving Day Weekend Breakfast, Saturday, November 28 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and 10 to 11:30 a.m. Our new officers include: Bill Goodwin, president; Nick Music, vice president; Jon Ford, secretary and Mel Bernstein, treasurer. All men of the community of Del Webb, Woodbridge, are encouraged to attend our meetings, generally held the second Monday of each month in the Multipurpose Room of the Clubhouse. We would love to see some new faces join our ranks. The Men of Woodbridge would like to accommodate all of the single people who live in our community. Beginning with the seating at the March 16 St. Patrick’s Day corned beef dinner, we will set each table with nine place settings.
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WOODBRIDGE SINGERS Valentine Concert at The Commons
Woodbridge LIFE
www.ourwoodbridge.net
WBL photos by Volker Moerbitz.
Woodbridge Singers treated residents of The Commons to a Valentine's serenade.
WOMEN OF WOODBRIDGE
Male vocalists added their voices to the love songs.
lawsuits from citizen groups wanting things to remain the same, the project has finally taken off. The first phase is about 2,000 lots of which 400 to 500 are currently under construction. Update on the River Islands Project The community will have approximately 18 miles of riverbank Co-authored by Jean Benner and Bill Barnhart as the San Joaquin River winds around its northern and eastern borders. To protect future residents from a 100-year flood, a berm ave you heard about our new neighbors? River Islands, a has been constructed that is 15 times the normal width—300 feet mixed-use, master-planned community, located a short five vs. only 20 feet—and this berm will actually exceed the new 200-year miles from Del Webb, Woodbridge, is under construction. This flood requirements that will be facing flood zone residents in years to 4,800-acre development is projected to have 11,000 homes, a business come. The huge berm park, nine schools and communityhas many advantages serving amenities. At build out, over traditional ones. the community will boast 35,000 Because of its width, it residents, doubling the size of cannot be undermined Lathrop. by gophers, lots can be developed on top of Susan Dell’Osso, Project Director the berm to give many for the River Islands development, of the homes quite a was the featured speaker for the view of the river, and Women of Woodbridge Speaker vegetation, including Series, Thursday, January 29. many varieties of trees, Susan holds a master’s degree in can be planted along economics from the University of the riverbank, providing California, Santa Barbara, and shade and protection for has been the project manager the little Delta smelt. since its inception in 1986. The Dell’Osso family owns and If memory serves operates the popular Dell’Osso us correctly, Susan Family Farms, located just outside reported there would be the River Islands project. approximately 22 lakes within the River Island Interestingly, Norman Jarret, community. To keep all an architect from South America, Photo by Bill Barnhart. the lakes at the same promoted this area as a future water level as the river, 170-acre theme park to be called Susan Dell'Osso, River Islands Project Manager, points out the community center the first lake will be fed Gold Rush City in the late 1980s. from the river and 36The City of Lathrop had visions area to Woodbridge resident Jerry Cox. inch underground pipes of millions of dollars in sales and will connect the other use taxes to expand city coffers. lakes, thus keeping all Through the years, however, the market changed and by the mid to at the same level. Because the lakes will not be publically owned, it is late 1990s, theme parks were out of vogue with the public. That’s when the developer, the Cambay Group of Walnut Creek, started work anticipated there may be as many as 900+ possible private boat docks by full build-out but no powerboats or skiing will be allowed. Ah, on a full conceptual change of how to best develop and use the land. shucks! The idea of a mixed-use, master-planned community took firm hold. After nearly 20 years of working through the various state agencies’ approval processes and working with and settling a multitude of
H
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Woodbridge LIFE
Page 15 • March 2015
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Woodbridge LIFE
Household Hints
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One last cause of water damage is the plumbing for the water softener in the garage not being installed to code and the soldered joints coming apart, allowing moisture to pass. This is easy to find if you look for it but if you have “stuff” piled around this area, you may not notice the moisture until there is a substantial amount of damage. If you identify a leak, it is definitely time for a service request to Pulte.
By Bill Barnhart
Diagnosing Issues in Your Home Water Damage
Condensation Inside Window Panes Bill Barnhart
Below are the most common places for water damage in our homes and the most likely cause. Visible signs of water damage are: discoloration and swelling of the white baseboards, darkened grout lines and rippled veneer inside kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Damage immediately adjacent to your shower door is most likely due to your not drying all the moisture around your shower door after every shower. The solution is to do a better job—see prior Household Hints article. If, however, the discoloration is on the opposite side of the wall from the shower, it most likely is moisture seeping under the wall due to improper sealing under the shower floor or there is a leak inside the wall where the water lines are attached to the metal faucet intakes. This damage will show up on the opposite side of the wall that may be in a toilet area, in a hall closet, or in a kitchen where the sink was in an island and the other side of the island wall showed water damage down at the baseboard. The solution is to put a service request in to Pulte to have them come and assess where the leak is and what needs to be done to fix it. At the kitchen sink, I’ve seen three additional causes of water damage. 1) If the faucet is loose, moisture could seep under it. Tighten the faucet by tightening the large nut underneath. This takes one of two special types of tools that many homeowners might not have. I have one if you would like to borrow it. 2) Another cause is seepage under the chrome plastic vent on top of the counter at the upper right of the sink. Grasp the vent and if you can wiggle or move it with only minimum to medium effort, you are getting moisture seepage under the white rubber gasket. Pop the chrome cover off and tighten the white nylon nut clockwise, then try to wiggle it. Some sinks have the garbage disposal on the small sink side and these are exceptionally hard to get a good seal under the white rubber vent gasket because the stiff drain hose puts too much strain on the vent. 3) Homes up to approximately four years old have a problem with the support used under the sink loosening and causing the caulking around the sink to crack or break away, deteriorating and allowing moisture to seep through immediately under the counter top. A sure sign of any of these three causes is rippled veneer in the bottom of the sink well that is easy to identify by rubbing your fingers over the bottom. It should be just as smooth as the sides. The first two causes are typically going to be your responsibility unless your home is less than one year old. The third cause is definitely something you should put a service request in to Pulte for.
Our windows are all dual pane. If you have condensation between the panes of glass, the seal has been broached and the vacuum/gases inside have probably been lost. It’s easy to mistake moisture on the outside of the window as being between the panes, so make sure this isn’t the case. If you have moisture between the panes, put in a service request to Pulte. All of our windows have a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty for the original homebuyer and even second owners might get some help through Pulte. Sparking Cooktop Igniters Sometimes when you are a little too aggressive in cleaning your cooktop, you get moisture on the burner igniters causing them to start sparking and they won’t quit until the moisture dries. Unplug the electrical cord under the cooktop and wait at least 24 hours to let it dry before plugging the cord back in. During this time, you should also check below each of the burner control knobs to make sure the rubber grommet is still in place to keep moisture out of that location. If you don’t see the grommet, it most likely has fallen inside and you need to remove the knob to retrieve and reinstall the grommet. Clogged Kitchen Sink A clog often occurs where the discharge pipe from the garbage disposal joins the vertical piping under the opposite sink. Inside the vertical joint, there is a deflector at a 45-degree angle to force that water to go down which also cuts the passage size in half. Both here and in the U-shaped trap, you will find a perfect place for potato, carrot and apple peelings to get clogged. The plumbing under the sink is easily removable with only hand-tightened joints and a 3/8-inch socket needed to disconnect the pipe from the garbage disposal. Make sure you don’t lose any of the parts and call me if you get stuck part way through clearing the clog. Garbage Disposal Not Working There are three likely reasons for a garbage disposal to stop working besides being worn out: 1) Too much electrical draw on the circuit feeding the disposal. This, most likely, would be countertop appliances which caused the GFCI circuit breaker to trip. If the Reset button is out, it is tripped. Press the Test button and then press the Reset button. If the Reset button stays pushed in, you’ve solved the problem. 2) Overheated and tripped internal relay. You just need to press the Reset button on the bottom side of the disposal unit. 3) If neither of the proceeding fixes work, the unit’s mechanism is likely bound up inside. Insert a quarter-inch Allen wrench into the socket in the center of the bottom side of the unit and turn a half-turn. That should free it up.
www.ourwoodbridge.net From
Woodbridge LIFE
COMING page 6
beverage of choice. Tickets are $15 per person and go on sale March 18.
Serving the community since 1979.
DENIM & DIAMONDS – Wednesday, April 22. Doors open @ 5 p.m. – DJ Jerry Sauceda will provide dancing music. Dinner will be included. The menu and price are being worked out at this printing. More information will be available in flyers at the Clubhouse. A DAY AT THE RACES – Saturday, April 25 – The bus will leave the Clubhouse at 10:30 a.m. Enjoy a day of horseracing at Golden Gate Fields in the Turf Club and lunch at the Turf Club buffet. Coach transportation, Turf Club seating and buffet luncheon are included in the ticket price. Cost is $99 per person. Reservations are made through Setness Tours @ 209- 476-8486. POTLUCK NIGHT – Tuesday, April 28th @ 5:30 p.m. – It’s going to be Chili & Cornbread night with salads and desserts. You may bring your beverage of choice. Coffee and water will be provided. Sign up at the front desk.
From
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DODIE page 3
As you look through Woodbridge LIFE today, you’ll read what will be coming up in March and April and you’ll want to plan ahead so you’re able to cover as many events as you want and not miss out. A few that are new: “What’s Funny After 50,” Lincoln Hills Vaudeville Show (sponsored by the Veterans group) and Denim & Diamonds dinner and dance. HERE’S WISHING EVERYONE A HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY AND FINDING YOUR POT OF GOLD!
Valley Oak Dental Group is a multi-specialty group practice committed to excellence. Our Pediatric Department provides a comfortable, caring atmosphere for your children. We provide the latest General Dentistry procedures in a state-of-the-art dental suite.
General Dentistry Mark A. Hochhalter, DDS Bonnie J. Morehead, DDS Rudy R. Ciccarelli, DDS Elizabeth C. Grecco, DDS Ron G. Joseph, DDS Daman P. Saini, DDS Harneet K. Saini, DDS
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Our family welcomes yours.
Mohammad El Farra, DDS* Prachi D. Shah, DDS
*General Dentist Practice Limited to Children
Mark A. Grecco, DMD Diplomate, American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery MEMBERS OF:
• California Dental Association • American Dental Association • San Joaquin P.P.A.
209.823.9341
valleyoakdentalgroup.com 1507 W. Yosemite, Manteca
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Woodbridge LIFE
Garden Tasks for March By Sandi Larson, Master Gardener
M
arch is a great month in the garden. By the end of the month, many Sandi Larson trees and shrubs are blooming. If we go out of town in mid-March, I always come back to find things blooming and feel like maybe I’ve missed a spectacular moment in my yard. Does anyone else feel like they do most of their plant shopping in the spring through maybe May or early June? If I were a smart gardener, I would space out my purchases so that each season there is something of interest, fragrance or bloom in my yard. If I had the opportunity to install my yard all over again, I’d put in some basic shrubs, basic irrigation and then, every quarter or two months, add items I found in my local nursery. Our soil in Manteca is generally excellent because it is sandy loam. The only drawback to excellent soil is the speed with which our plants grow. I’ve been guilty of underestimating the ultimate size of trees. I’ve mentioned many times that I’m always amazed when a landscaper plants several large conifers in a backyard and may not fully estimate the ultimate size. If you’re having your yard planned right now, verify the maximum height and width of your plants and trees. It’ll cost you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to have an oversized tree removed when it outgrows its space. This is an excellent time to plant trees, shrubs, vines and perennials. March is also an excellent time to start feeding your lawn. You can spot-weed control in your lawn rather than apply a weed and feed if weeds aren’t much of a problem. If you have bald spots in your grass, now is a good time to re-seed that spot. Pull as many weeds in your yard as possible while the soil may be moist.
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This would be a good month to review the condition of your irrigation system. I still have seen residents watering on Mondays – which the city of Manteca has prohibited! We are still under drought conditions (as of early February), which means every gallon of water you can save is important. Also with our hard water in Manteca, you will see the drip irrigation clogging up more frequently than if we had better water…softened water won’t help your plants either. Build up of salt in your plants will eventually harm them. Occasional use can be OK but not over the long run. If you have softened water and you’re watering your indoor houseplants with softened water, try to use bottled or hard water whenever possible. If you have indoor houseplants, this is a good time to start using a balanced indoor fertilizer. Summer bulbs will be in the nurseries this month including lilies, dahlias, gladiolus and tuberous begonias. Capitola has a Begonia Festival every year and this year it will be September 4 — 7. They also have a famous restaurant called Shadowbrook, situated at the base of a hill, on a beautiful creek. You ride an escalator down to the restaurant. During the Begonia Festival, floats go by on the creek. Begonias will grow here but will need lots of shade and need to be kept moist. There are some newer varieties that are a little more heat resistant than previous varieties. I grew one last summer called Santa Cruz Sunset Begonia and it did very well in my backyard with quite a bit of sun and not a lot of water. It’s of the trailing variety and hardy until the first frost. Check with a local nursery to see if it’s available near the end of the month. The San Joaquin Master Gardeners club is having a class on Handling Garden Enemies at the Manteca Library in the McFall Room on Saturday, March 21, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. RSVP to 209-953-6100 by March 18 to ensure there are enough materials available for you. There is no cost to attend.
If you’ve started vegetable seedlings indoors, you can start putting them outside this month but don’t plant the tomatoes or peppers yet as we can still have frost. If you’ve started annuals indoors, they can start to be put outside during the day but don’t leave them out overnight yet. Nurseries will carry seedlings that have been hardened off already. It’s tempting to shop at nurseries that aren’t in the Central Valley but be aware of the zone the plants will thrive in. I bought a couple of plants once while going through Half Moon Bay and -- not checking out their zone and temperature/humidity needs -- found out the hard way that the coast is much easier on plants than our Central Valley. I’m a slow learner (or maybe an optimist) because I’ve been known to make this mistake over and over again (like the movie, “Groundhog Day”!) March is also the time to start fertilizing your roses before they bloom. Fertilize once a month if you use a fertilizer only. Keep an eye out for aphids looking for young shoots to devour. Also, feed your camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons and other acid-loving plants this month after they have finished blooming. When the danger of frost is over, prune your hydrangeas, fuchsias and bougainvillea, if you haven’t already done so.
Photo contributed by Sandi Larson.
Variegated Weigela blooms in spring. It is a good plant for Manteca but is not fond of afternoon sun.
H
appy gardening!
Page 20 • March 2015
Woodbridge LIFE
www.ourwoodbridge.net
Activities Abound in Woodbridge Groups and Clubs, Part 2 By Carol Jo Hargreaves
I
n Part 1 of this article, published in the February 2015 edition of Woodbridge LIFE, we began to introduce you to the abundant variety of groups and clubs available in our community. This month we present eight more activities and their leaders to encourage participation in the vast offering. If
you are not already taking part in one or more of these pursuits, challenge yourself to meet new people, try different things and learn something new. A special thank you to all Woodbridge group and club leaders for sharing their time and talents with us!
Drama - Dona Eberhardt WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.
Resident thespians prepare performances for the Woodbridge community once or twice a year. Behindthe-scenes production helpers such as properties, costume and set design are also needed. Come and join in even if you haven't had previous acting experience. All residents are welcome to visit and take a look. The group meets in the Quincy Room, Thursdays at 1 p.m.
Game Night - Pat Buxton (top) and Rick Hyden (bottom) WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.
Grandparents The Easter Bunny pays a visit to the outdoor Easter egg hunt, games are played and refreshments served. At Christmastime, Santa makes a special visit and there is a Santa Gift Store at which children may purchase gifts for family and friends for 10 to 25 cents each. Optional gift donations are accepted for contribution to the Sleep Train Foster Children’s program.
Join in playing a variety of games, even trying something new, in the Westport Room every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
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Woodbridge LIFE
Hand & Foot - Ruth Field WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.
Hand and Foot is a card game related to Canasta in which each player is dealt two sets of cards - the hand, which is played first, and the foot, which is played when the hand has been used up. If you don’t already know how to play this fun card game, the rules are very easy and there is always someone available to show you how to play. The group meets in the Westport Room from 1 to 4-ish every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday as well as Thursdays at 7 p.m.
Men of Woodbridge - Bill Goodwin
Neighborhood Watch - Bob Hall
WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.
WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.
The Men of Woodbridge is a service club for the community. This group conducts a series of dinners at the Lakeview Clubhouse, assists at the Wheels of Woodbridge Club Car Show by cooking hot dogs, holds fundraisers to benefit local programs such as Flags Over Manteca, and keeps the intersection of Airport Road and Hwy 120 free of litter the third Tuesday of each month. Group meetings are held the second Monday of each month at 10 a.m. in the Quincy Room (kitchen area) at the Clubhouse. This group is open to all male Woodbridge residents.
The first Tuesday in August, Neighborhood Watch Block Captains organize National Night Out gatherings, the opportunity for neighbors to socialize and to learn about safety from visiting city leaders, police and fire department personnel. Volunteers patrol within our community to provide additional security and annually deliver our community directories.
TO BE CONTINUED...
This list will continue in the April edition of Woodbridge LIFE.
Paddle Tennis - Bob Hall WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.
Similar to tennis, this fast, reactionbased game is played on the smaller sized pickleball court with a lower net, solid paddle, depressurized tennis ball and underhand serve. Come see what this game is about on Mondays at 6 p.m.
Pinochle - Robert Philis WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.
Pinochle is a card game typically played by two to four players with a 48-card deck. Players score points by taking tricks and by forming combinations of cards into melds. Come join anytime! Play is in the Oxford Room, Mondays at 2:15 p.m. and Thursdays at 1 p.m.
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Softball This Month THE 2015 SOFTBALL SEASON IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER By Butch Larson
O
ur first full month of player registration has been completed. Players have already begun practicing and getting in shape for the upcoming season. We have just a few more weeks of practice before our player draft will take place Monday, March 16. After teams have been solidified, there will be opportunities for them to practice with their own players. Saturday, April 4, we will begin our season with Opening Day featuring our musical clubs, East Union’s JROTC and the Wheels of Woodbridge car club displaying select classic cars. Be sure to set the day aside to come out and enjoy the event. Coaches Half of our Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches are putting on coaching caps for the first time for Silver Slugger Men. Coaching this year will be Blue Team — Bob Perrin, Will Weintz; Red Team — Jerry Monares, Craig Hoyer; Orange Team — Tom Heath, Bill Kistner; Green Team — Bob Hall, Al Sanchez and White Team — Chuck Gary, Roger Gibson. Please come out and cheer on your favorite team or just enjoy a beautiful day at Del Webb Field.
SOFTBALL OPENING DAY IS APRIL 4 By Roger Gibson
I
t’s that time of year when the sound of bat hitting ball will again become a common sound at the Woodbridge softball field. Registrations for all former players and new residents have been mostly completed (although anyone can register at any time during the season) and the teams will soon be selected. The schedule begins with the grand opening ceremonies Saturday, April 4, at 9:30 a.m., followed by four softball games with both men’s and women’s teams participating. It will be a great day for our community, so mark it on your calendars and plan to engage in the activities.
Snack Shack Chuck Gary and Kathy Dezotte will be managing our Snack Shack this year. Chuck is stepping up to the WSSC Council to represent Operations and Kathy will return to the day-to-day management of the Snack Shack. She promises to have another great year of fantastic food, great deals and a fun time for those who help make this one of our favorite places to visit at Woodbridge. Late Sign-Ups If you have been thinking of playing softball for either the Silver Slugger Men or the Diamond Gals, there is still time to sign up. We would like to have anyone interested in the Silver Slugger Men to sign up before the draft Monday, 3/16, so we can include them with the other players drafted. In any event, we will add late registrants whenever they sign up to either the Silver Slugger Men or Diamond Gals. Our goal is to give as many residents interested in playing the opportunity to do so. Please turn in your registration form as soon as you can (if you have not done so already).
meeting at the Clubhouse Wednesday, March 11, at 7 p.m. All those signed up for softball or interested in the WSSC softball program are invited to attend. We will present our council members and coaches to the members as well as discuss rules and open up for questions from those attending. Please plan to join us. Key Dates Here are some key dates to be aware of for the first half of our season: Open Practices: Wednesday, March 4; Saturday, March 7; Wednesday, March 11, and Saturday, March 14 (9 a.m. to noon) General Membership meeting: Wednesday, March 11 (7 p.m.) Player Draft: Monday, March 16 (9 a.m. Coaches only) Open Team Practices: Weeks of March 23 and 30 Opening Day: Saturday, April 4 Regularly scheduled games: April through June, Wednesdays and Saturdays First-half Round Robin Tournament: Wednesday, June 24, and Saturday, June 27
Membership Meeting We will be having a General Membership
DIAMOND GALS SOFTBALL THE WAY WE WERE By Dottie Aubrey
I
n the early spring of 2009, Al Sanchez called a meeting of the women in Woodbridge who were interested in softball. A few years earlier, the softball program had started with some women playing coed softball with the men. The 2009 meeting was to see if there were enough interested women to start a women’s league. About 25 women attended the meeting. There was some discussion and shortly after that, practice started. Most of us had never played softball except for a little time in our physical education classes in school. After all these years, we could not remember how to throw or catch a ball properly. Each of us came with some reservations and fears about our abilities but we soon gained confidence because all of us
needed to learn and practice our skills. Our play was pretty pathetic the first year. Our games were a comedy of errors. As the years passed, we saw our skills improve to the point that we are now playing competitive games with only a few errors. In 2009, we decided on our team name “The Diamond Gals” and our team colors “Red and Blue.” Each week we would be placed on either the red or the blue team for our games. We had practice on Mondays and games on Saturday mornings. Al recruited Jackie Rudy, Bob Hall and Bill Barnhart as assistant coaches. As time passed, Arlene Lopez replaced Jackie. In 2012, Dave Reed replaced Arlene and then he took over as head coach in 2013. That year Dave and Bill were the two coaches with Dottie Aubrey assisting as needed. In 2014, with Dave coaching alone, the women started to become more involved. NEXT MONTH: The Women Take Over
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SOFTBALL SEASON IS ARRIVING! By Roger Gibson
T
he Woodbridge Senior Softball season is arriving along with spring in just a few weeks and we are eagerly looking forward to both. The people who are involved in the arrangement of the teams, the schedules and the necessary amenities (like grounds keeping, running the snack shack, umpiring, planning the opening ceremonies, etc.) are busy getting it all together. In a recent survey conducted to discover the reasons so many of our residents participate in the softball program, the question was about the benefits or reasons for doing so. Here are the results that were calculated from the returned survey forms:
#1—Recreational or physical exercise; we need to stay active and keep the body working well. #2—Team building; there is a satisfaction in working together to support a common goal. #3— Socializing/connecting; it’s a great venue for meeting new friends and developing relationships.
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#4— Reliving youth or glory days; we remember what used to be and think maybe it can happen again (not!). #5—Competition; while there are no league standings reported, we do like to do well and even enjoy winning! #6—Skill enhancement; some of us have developed in our hitting, fielding and/or team play and are even better than when we were younger. Can you believe that? #7—Alleviate boredom; it beats living with the recliner, the remote and refreshments! There were a couple of other benefits suggested for some of the people, such as tailgate parties (great food at the snack shack is available during and after the games), meeting new residents, being outdoors, loving the game and just good ol’ fun and laughter (you should see some of these clowns trying to play ball). Spectators are always welcome to the games on Wednesday and Friday mornings. And this can be a part of your life, too! Get the registration form in the Clubhouse and join us in the good times. It is not too late to register to participate in any of these activities and we urge you to sign up right away.
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Woodbridge LIFE
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Your Woodbridge Pot of Gold is a Gift By Debby Hickey
M
ary DiMaggio once told me about a student in her porcelain painting class who had worked all her life and, now retired, wanted to learn something new. The woman was obviously beckoned to try painting by Mary’s inspirational demeanor, but Mary said she was reticent because she had no idea how to do it. Mary taught her the rudiments of how to paint and, as it turned out, this woman had an incredible talent for it! “This is a great example of our pot of gold at Woodbridge – we are discovering our (own) hidden gifts.” Art DeSouza, having never played softball before in his life, is by far the most popular player in our league. Fans and players alike are blown away watching Art so joyously round the bases—just like a little kid! Robin Adams, former DJ, had never considered joining a choir before as he felt his low, deep voice didn’t have wide enough range. Just weeks ago, Robin joined the Woodbridge Singers and is currently practicing his solo performance of “Old Man River” for the Singers’ spring concert! Steve Matthews, passionate about his authentic military truck, enjoys driving it in local parades but had no idea how useful it could be at Woodbridge. Steve’s truck is needed for the golf cart parade (he brings up the rear to keep the carts safe), for hanging the “Flags
Over Woodbridge” on special days, and, perhaps most importantly, for carting around the Shadow Berry girls on National Night Out! And think of all the Second Chance Band members who have discovered such a great outlet for their musical abilities. What a gift each one has! A lot of us hang up our “career hats” after retirement, assuming we’re “spent” and have no further use for our work-related skills. Then, out of the blue, a neighbor, like Jim Cadle, talks Phil Bookman, a journalist, into forming a Creative Writing Class, which then spawns student Judy McNamara, non-journalist, into becoming a writer for Woodbridge LIFE. (And Phil now submits articles published in the Manteca Bulletin.)
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Two WW II and Korean War Veterans Submitted by Sue Atherton
T
he two gentlemen in these photographs are the oldest men living on their block.
Note the T-shirts. They say, “Born in the USA a long, long time ago!” (And they’re proud of it, too!) Warren Atherton (left) turned 90 years of age, November 18, 2014. Lynn Whitaker (right) turned 91 years of age, January 11, 2015. The two men live next door to each other on Fox Trot Way and are good friends.
�
Photo contributed by Sue Atherton.
Warren Atherton (left) turned 90 years of age, November 18, 2014. Lynn Whitaker (right) turned 91 years of age, January 11, 2015.
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Page 27 • March 2015
Leo, Come Home By Joyce Renebome
O
ur cat Leo went missing on the early morning of New Year’s Eve. On January 1, we put posters on mailboxes in our area. On January 3, I submitted an article to Woodbridge LIFE, which has an early submission date. The next day we received a call from a woman on Bellchase Drive near Madison Grove. She had seen a cat matching Leo’s description walking north on Bellchase the night before. We walked and drove around the neighborhood for days looking but received no more calls about sightings. Then about midmonth, we began getting calls of sightings on Cobblecreek and on the new section of the trail. We expanded distribution of our posters, put out food and followed up on all leads. I finally talked to a gentleman walking his dog who directed me to a house where he saw a cat that looked like Leo, except he wore a collar. We tracked down the suspect to a house on Steeple Run. The owner allowed me to interview her cat named Horace. We determined it was Horace that was generating the calls by his ability to jump the fence and go for strolls down the trail. After we realized we had been chasing the wrong cat, we basically thought Leo might be gone forever. However, we still had hope. It seemed strange that in a tight-knit community we only received one actual sighting on Leo’s third day missing. We were back to square one, Bellchase. We had thought it possible someone was taking care of Leo, thinking him a stray, although it didn’t seem likely with all the flyers we had put up. However, most of the flyers on Bellchase
disappeared in mid-January. We never replaced them because we were wrongly chasing Horace in the new section. Woodbridge LIFE, containing the article about Leo, was delivered the last Friday of January. That weekend I got a call from a man in Escalon saying there was a cat Photo contributed. in his neighborhood matching Leo loved lying by the window. Leo’s description. I told him it was impossible unless someone transported him there. He then told me his mother-in-law lived on Bellchase and maybe Leo had hitched a ride. The man and his family spent hours trying to catch the cat and were finally successful, February 12. We were devastated to discover it was not Leo. Unfortunately, it was another case of mistaken identity. However, this time the cat could have been Leo’s twin. Leo was last seen on Bellchase near Liberty Bell. If anyone has any clue what may have happened to him, please call 823-4101. We would like to thank everyone who has been looking for Leo. March 1 is Pete and my 62nd wedding anniversary. Finding Leo would be the best anniversary present we could receive. We hope the next Leo article can be called “The Happy Reunion.”
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Symphonic Events in Stockton and Modesto By Jean Kavale
R
esidents of Woodbridge are fortunate for several reasons, but those of you who recently moved to the Central Valley from other areas might be glad to know we are living near two fine symphony orchestras — one in Stockton and the other in Modesto. The Stockton Symphony has been around for a long time. In fact, it’s the oldest continuously performing symphony orchestra in California, with exception of the San Francisco Symphony and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Founded in 1926, the orchestra lives up to its goal of bringing beautiful music to the Central Valley. By offering a fourconcert series of contemporary music (pops) and a five-concert series of classical music by masters of the past (classics), it entertains a wide variety of concertgoers. A subscription package for either series costs $94 to $295. Single tickets are $25 to $69. Except for “Piano Men,” the concerts for this season take place at the Warren Atherton Auditorium, San Joaquin Delta College, 5151 Pacific Avenue, Stockton. For tickets, price deals, and other information, you can look online at http://www. stocktonsymphony.org or call the symphony office at 209-951-0196. Here’s the schedule for the final concerts in the 2014-2015 series: Classics: Saturday, March 13 at 6 p.m. A concert called “Symphony in Space” includes selections from “The Planets” by Gustav Holst, which provided background music for the film “2001: A Space
Odyssey.” Music from the Star Wars movies by Oscar-winner John Williams will also be played. Classics: Saturday, April 11 at 6 p.m. “Ravel and Orff” features Ravel’s “Bolero” and Orff’s “Carmina Burana.” Performing with the orchestra are three well-known vocalists and the combined choruses from Stockton Chorale, Stockton Youth Chorale, University of the Pacific and San Joaquin Delta College. Pops: Saturday, May 2 at 8 p.m. “Piano Men” celebrates the music See
CULTURAL page 37
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Page 29 • March 2015
Triker's Travels Article, photo and cartoon by Judy McNamara
I have been lucky to be able to trike around our community and get to know many of the wonderful folks who live in Woodbridge. I've asked some of those whom I have met if they would be interested in sharing some of their life history with me (we all have a lot of history at our ages!) and now I have the opportunity to share a bit about these people with you. Here goes...
Walt White
W
alt White … will give ya' just a little nudge to join the bike club, Judy McNamara meet new neighbors, exercise, learn about bikes and explore parts of Manteca. Walt is enthusiastic about the bike club and has several rides planned for beginning cyclists and those who have previously done some riding. Walt and his wife Cate have been residents of Manteca for the past 20 years. They have one daughter who is now working on her PhD. Walt and Cate have only lived in Woodbridge for a short time, but both are enjoying the many opportunities this community offers. Walt grew up in Redwood City, CA, and received his degree in engineering at Cal Berkeley but spent his professional career in computer programing. He retired in 2013. Walt has ridden a bike all his life. When he lived in Vallejo and worked at Sharps Naval Shipyard, he would ride his bike to work every day. In 1974, Walt took a fall off his bike and broke his hip, which resulted in his not riding for a long period of time. Since biking was in his blood, he missed the daily rides and decided he would try to get folks together to experience the joy of cycling Five residents prepare to depart on their ride through the community. when he came to Woodbridge. As Walt would say, “All you need is a bike with pumped up tires, a greased chain and a willing spirit.” His main purpose of forming the bike club is to inspire anyone with a bike to come along on a ride. He feels talking to and encouraging one another are equally as important as joining a ride. You're never too old to learn (or resume) this wonderful sport. Besides biking, Walt’s other hobbies include LEGOs. He is a member of the Bay Area LEGO Club and is also active in the Da Vinci Science Center. He would encourage you to check out San Mateo’s Maker Faire on the Internet. Be sure to watch for upcoming rides that Walt posts which will always include the route map.
Multipurpose Room Floor Project WBL photos by Volker Moerbitz.
T
hanks to the Property and Grounds committee and Dave Boberg Wood Floors for refurbishing the floor.
The floor in the early stages of stripping and sanding.
The completed project.
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Artist's rendition of the Woodbridge Veterans Memorial.
Veterans of Woodbridge Presents the Vaudeville Troupe from Lincoln Hills Saturday 18 April 2015 Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Soup kitchen and finger food served 4:45 p.m. to 5:20 p.m. Water and coffee supplied. BYOB Show time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Price: $15 per ticket Tickets on sale beginning 18 March Limited number of tickets get yours early! All proceeds will go directly to the Woodbridge Veterans Memorial Fund
Woodbridge LIFE
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Woodbridge
The Second Coming By Bill Barnhart
Woodbridge LIFE
Page 31 • March 2015
This is the conclusion of the story begun in the January 2015 edition of Woodbridge LIFE, titled Woodbridge – The First Seven Days. Remember the original disclaimer: “This story is based mostly on facts that may have been rearranged somewhat and a small amount of fiction. Please recognize that the story’s timeline is not quite to scale either.”
A
t the end of the seventh day, Del Webb declared everything was good and decided to take a well-deserved vacation in far away Tahiti where he could drink the local brew and watch the grass skirts swaying in the breeze. Del Webb was really enjoying his time in the tropical paradise and for a short time considered making it his permanent home. He figured he could build an active adult community there and the people would come. He just had to figure out how to run modern appliances in grass huts without electricity and how to get good TV reception for the food and sports channels. However, Del Webb, being paternal by nature, felt he needed to check back on the beautiful Woodbridge community he had built in Manteca and make sure it was maturing in the image he had set forth for all of his active adult developments. When Del Webb arrived back at Woodbridge in the early spring of 2015, he was shocked. He wondered, “Why isn’t my beautiful community completed? I still see a lot of barren ground and my beautiful north park isn’t built yet.” William (Bill) Pulte, the founder and former chairman of Pulte Homes, who just happened to be ambling around about that time in anticipation of Del Webb’s return, responded, “Hey Delbert, let’s go find a place to sit down and, if you’ll share one of the Tahitian brewskies you’ve got in that ice chest, I’ll catch you up on the past eight years.” Del Webb replied he really would like to hear the story but he would prefer to be called Del rather than Delbert and he would return the favor by calling Pulte by his nickname, Bill. So Del and Bill found a bench on the Freedom Parkway and sat down to enjoy some Tahitian brew. Bill began to explain how the recession that had just begun when Del took off for Tahiti had really put the skids on the progress of their build-out. Bill described how home prices had become depressed and people could not sell without going under water on their loans; he described how people lost their jobs and were generally afraid to buy new homes until the housing market settled and the economy rebounded a little. The silver lining in that cloud, Bill explained, was that during this period, Woodbridge hardly ever dropped below a half dozen home sales a month and was recognized nationally as continuing to have the highest rate of home building anywhere and actually seemed to be the one strong jewel keeping the company afloat during this period. Bill then told Del there was something he wanted to show him, so the two took off down the parkway toward the Clubhouse. As Bill and Del entered the Clubhouse, Del was in awe of what he saw. He turned to Bill and reminded him the building of the Clubhouse was just getting started when he took off for Tahiti and he had not realized just how beautifully it was going to turn out. Bill said, “Well Del, we just had the outside repainted a year-and-a-half ago because we knew you would be back and we wanted it to look its best for you. In fact, we can’t go into the Multipurpose Room today because it is being refinished to keep it serviceable for the next 40 to 50 years.” Taking a breath, Bill continued, “However, what I really want to show you is down this hallway with all the little cubbies mounted on the wall.” As the two arrived at where all the little cubbies were, Del looked around and commented, “What happened to the rooms I had originally named the Club Room and the Arts & Crafts Room?” Bill explained those names, although descriptive of the function and use of the rooms, didn’t follow the original Norman Rockwell theme, so the names had been changed to something Norman himself might have used. Bill wasn’t sure when the same was going to occur with the billiard room, fitness center or indoor pool but that wasn’t important; what he really wanted to show Del was in all the little cubbies. Bill said, “Look. We’ve got a senior community whose residents are at a much greater risk of heart issues and we’ve got CPR
Photo contributed.
Softball Opening Day 2013: Woodbridge Singers in foreground, East Union ROTC in center and softball players in background. training going on right here to better prepare people for emergencies. In fact, one staff member actually used her skills and saved the life of a resident out on the softball field. Look what else we’ve got: grandparents bringing grandkids to enjoy kids’ hours in the swimming pools. On top of that, once a year kids enjoy a great Easter egg hunt, toss water balloons and get their faces painted with flowers and clowns and fairies.”
Photo contributed.
Polar bears, January 2011 (l to r) Wil Harmon, Pepper Noble, Raymond and Gerda Foxworth's granddaughter Julia and Ed Shoup. “Look at all the things we have going on so that our people can explore talents they never knew they had,” Bill continued. “Oil painting, watercolor painting, ceramic painting, scrapbooking, sewing, See
SECOND page 33
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Woodbridge LIFE
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Leprechauns By Mike Spence
Compiled from a variety of online sources such as Time Newsfeed, Linkis.com, Wikipedia, K2 Radio, Live Science and others.
L
eprechauns and gnomes seem to have developed as parallel species in Europe and the British Isles. Gnome folklore has shadowy roots in Holland and Germany. The European group was always described as diminutive elves wearing pointed hats. The leprechauns of Ireland were described as fairies that were grizzled old men clad in red or green coats; they also were mischievous and had magical powers. Since it is March, the remainder of this article will focus on leprechauns. Leprechauns were known to be smart dressers wearing small suits with waistcoats, buckled shoes and hats. The earliest hats were pointed and evolved into “cocked” or tri-colored hats. Leprechauns enjoyed some enthusiastic music sessions called Ceilis where they played whistles, fiddles and Irish harps. They also enjoyed dancing, so much so that they constantly wore out their shoes dancing the Fae and all became cobblers. They were very good cobblers and they each amassed a pot of gold coins. There were no banks yet so they hid their pots of gold at the ends of rainbows. They became elusive for fear that upon capture, they would be forced to give up their gold. They were magical and used their powers to protect the gold. If captured, they would offer one gold coin or grant three wishes to their captor to secure their release, but they were very smart tricksters. The first recorded Irish leprechaun was one captured in the eighth century by Fergus, then the King of Ulster. It was recorded that
one of Fergus’ wishes was to breathe underwater, but the power would not work in Loch Rudraige, exactly where the King wanted to fish underwater. There is another popular account of leprechaun trickery. It seems Seamus of County Mayo caught a leprechaun and began making his wishes. The first is lost. The second was to be the richest man on a desert isle, but he was alone with nowhere to spend his money. He used his third wish to return to Ireland, forgetting to bring his riches with him. There is some speculation that this is the source of the phrase, “Luck of the Irish.” Not only are leprechauns cobblers, they are also tap dancers. There is a tap-taptapping sound associated with both cobbling and tap dancing. In 1870, poet William Allingham wrote the following description in his poem, “The Lepracaun; or Fairy Shoemaker:” “Lay your ear close to the hill. Do you not catch the tiny clamour, Busy click of an elfin hammer, Voice of the Leprechaun singing shrill As he merrily plies his trade?” The leprechauns are an endangered species. Under European Union law, Silabh Foy Loop trail in the town of Carlingford (Ireland) is officially protected land for leprechauns. See
LEPRECHAUNS page 35
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From
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Woodbridge LIFE
quilting, etc., etc. These new talents our people have discovered are being displayed in many art shows between here and Sacramento and our people are taking home many awards. Look at all the physical activities we have, too: a minimum of five softball games a week with five men’s teams and four women’s squads; ladies’, men’s and mixed doubles pickleball; tennis; bocce ball; women’s flag football and the one sport we guessed wrong on that doesn’t get much use, horseshoes. In the Multipurpose Room, we also hold court every week or so with very gleefully played beach volleyball games, keeping our bottoms glued to the chairs. These activities have the dual benefit of making Woodbridge residents into a much tighter community and lead to better fitness and enjoyment of our retirement years.” Bill looked at Del and went on, “If that didn’t blow your socks off, listen to this. Many of our residents volunteer in the greater Manteca community, helping to paint murals for which Manteca is well known, spending hundreds of hours sorting food at Second Harvest Food Bank, volunteering at local hospitals and assisting both the police and fire departments in many of their day-to-day operations. Some of our clubs have also adopted specific causes like: Women of Woodbridge raising funds for scholarships with an annual Sip for Scholarship and also working to get needed supplies to classrooms so kids have the basic necessities for a good education. The Crafters make pillows for kids facing cancer early in their lives. They make dog beds for pets needing adoption and the blankets they knit or crochet and give away are awesome. The Softball group supports the sports program at East Union High School in many ways. The Men of Woodbridge group helps the Boys & Girls Club by manning the phones at the annual telethon fundraising drive, picking up trash at the Highway 120 and Airport interchange, and by contributing funds to a number of causes around town. The Veterans group brings in a multitude of toys each year for the Marines’ Toys for Tots program and they conduct the solemn U.S. flag retirement ceremonies each year. The Strummin’ Wonders ukulele players perform concerts for Alzheimer’s patients at extended care facilities as well as put on frequent shows for all of our residents and Wheels car club members have raised $37,000 with their annual car show to feed the needy in our community through Second Harvest Food Bank.” Del exclaimed, “Wow, is that all?” Bill replied, “No, but that’s all I can think of off the top of my head and I apologize to any club or group whose activities didn’t get included here.” “We are very much into helping ourselves here at Woodbridge,” Bill went on to tell Del. “We’ve got this Neighbors Helping Neighbors program, started by our first female board member, which helps residents who are unable to perform some of the regular home maintenance tasks and keeps people off ladders who shouldn’t be up on them.” As Del was turning toward Bill to make a comment, his eye caught something he knew wasn’t part of his original design. At the top of the Oxford Room entrance, there was a device to open and close the door. Bill said, “Yes. So far we’ve put in eight of those with money set aside from association dues or donations for that specific purpose by residents and sponsors. These devices provide our disabled residents a level of independence in the Clubhouse they wouldn’t otherwise have. Just think, down yonder, we’ve put one going into the fitness center and it gives you that really good feeling when you see someone with a walker or cane independently go into the fitness center to work out without any help.” As the two men wandered past the front desk toward the fitness center, Del saw a stack of Woodbridge LIFE newspapers. Bill, catching the direction of Del’s glance, said, “Yep! That there newspaper is put together by a group of dedicated residents who devote a couple hundred hours to it every month. And it gets delivered free to every Woodbridge home.” Needless to say, Del was very impressed and picked up a copy of the newspaper to read through later. So, at the end of his visit, Del Webb again looked down and saw that all was good and that the community was in good hands. He could see, and he could feel deep down in his heart of hearts, that Woodbridge had become the brightest jewel in his crowning achievements through the years and he was proud and he was satisfied. He began thinking that maybe, just maybe, he would forget about going back to the swaying grass skirts and sweet brew and stay right here, taking advantage of all the fun things residents could do because living at Woodbridge really was a pot of gold, wasn’t it? As he grabbed another brew, he thought he might even try his hand at some Texas Hold ‘em come next Friday night.
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Woodbridge LIFE
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WINE 101 By Jon Ford
W
e had a great class in February as we were introduced to dessert-style wines including the likes of port, ice wine, vin de glace, sherry and late harvest varietals. We had some great wines and even greater desserts for this event. As usual, our class was full with the maximum 101 participants. The challenge for this class was to bring a dessert wine other than a port. For those unfamiliar with our classes, we meet once a month in the Multipurpose Room of the Clubhouse with a different theme each month. Classes are free but you must sign up in advance at the front desk of the Clubhouse. Registration always begins the day after an event (for example, February 20 following our February 19 dessert wine class). Participants are asked to bring a wine to share based on the theme of the class, their own wine glasses, and an appetizer to share with the group. You may bring other wines to keep at your table if you wish. The dessert only class is always in February. It is helpful if the wine you bring to share with the group is already opened and recorked for convenience. No knowledge of wine is necessary. The format of the class is an informal presentation that generally lasts 20 to 25 minutes followed by a two-hour social period. Any Del Webb, Woodbridge resident is cordially invited to join us; however, we can only take 101 participants. Classes generally fill quickly, so act accordingly. The registration for the March class began February 20 and the registration for the April class will begin March 13. If you would
like to learn a little more about wine and rub elbows with new neighbors and older friends, then this is the class for you. Our next event Thursday, March 12, will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room of the Clubhouse. The theme for March is lesser-known Bordeaux such as: Merlot, Malbec, Petite Verdot and Cabernet Franc in the red category. We also will be discussing Semillion and Muscadet in the white category. The challenge for this event is to find a wine other than Merlot or Malbec as we have already done classes on these particular wines, but they are welcome nevertheless. Our focus for this class will be on Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot, Semillion and Muscadet. No Sauvignon Blanc or Cabernet Sauvignon will be allowed for this class. I also put this information on the Woodbridge portal, via flyers in the Clubhouse, and on a Wine 101 newsletter that you can sign up for by simply emailing me at jluvswine@aol.com and requesting to be put on the mailing list. If you would like "tentative" dates for the remainder of the year, you can request that, too, and I would be happy to send them along. If you have any questions, contact Jon Ford at jluvswine@aol.com or 209-815-9803 SO MANY WINES AND SO LITTLE TIME! HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE.
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Woodbridge LIFE
Page 35 • March 2015
DID YOU KNOW... Compiled by Mike Spence from a variety of online sources including content.time.com and whatisanime.wordpress.com
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One of Sean Connery’s earliest starring roles was in the 1959 film, “Darby O’Gill and the Little People.”
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March is named after the Roman god of war, Mars.
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The three petals of the shamrock depict the Holy Trinity of Christianity, God, Son and the Holy Spirit.
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Arthur Anderson, the voice of the “Lucky Charms” cereal leprechaun for 29 years, is a respected Shakespearian actor.
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St. Patrick’s Day falls during Lent. Until 1961, all pubs in Ireland were required to close on March 17.
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St. Patrick drove the snakes from Ireland, but there are no snakes native to Ireland. A metaphor perhaps?
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There are no female leprechauns.
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The vernal (spring) equinox is the day there are equal amounts of daylight and darkness, but that’s only at the equator – in Stockton on March 20, we’ll have 12:08 hours of daylight.
“March Madness” was not officially sanctioned by the NCAA to describe the spring college tournaments until 1939.
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The downtown streets of Rolla, Missouri, are painted green on March 17.
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March 26 is “Make up your own holiday day.”
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The first St. Patrick’s Day parade was in 1762, when Irish soldiers serving with the British in the “colonies” marched down the streets of New York City.
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According to legend, St. Patrick was born Maewyn Succat in England and did not take the name Patrick until he entered the priesthood and was sent to Ireland.
From
LEPRECHAUNS page 32
The warning sign reads: European Habitats Directive Plants, Wild Animals and Leprechauns (Little People) are Protected in This Area Please Tread Lightly Hunters & Fortune Seekers Will be Prosecuted Where are the leprechauns now? Ireland claims there are 236 leprechauns living in the protected Foy Loop. Some may have immigrated to the USA, specifically to Mobile, Alabama. On March 14, 2006, there were reports of a leprechaun sitting in a tree in the Crichton section of town. Television reporters from NBC affiliate WPMI-TV went to the site and interviewed several witnesses. They filed their report and it was broadcast on the evening news that night and the next day’s local morning show. The YouTube version of the news report officially went viral March 17. “Get him in sight, hold him tight, And you’re a made man!” ~ William Allingham, 1870
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Woodbridge LIFE
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Novel Sefein gives, gets joy By Sharyl Burgeson
“The smallest good deed is better than the grandest ~ Duguet good intention.”
N
ext time you’re at the front desk of the Lakeview Clubhouse, stop and smell the flowers. Depending on the season, they’ll be either camellias or roses brought in on Sunday mornings by Novel Sefein, according to Pat Eckert, monitor. Novel is somewhat selective in his choice of flowers as they only have to be fragrant and big. The fragrance is of the utmost importance to Novel who brings flowers from the five rose bushes in his back yard and a camellia bush in both front and back yards into his home, as well as giving them to others. Novel’s home country is Egypt and he came to California speaking his native language, Arabic, and his second language, English, with his wife and four-year-old daughter 37 years ago this August. The number one reason Novel and family left Egypt was religious freedom and the second, economic freedom. He felt there was more opportunity in America. Although Novel was educated in Egypt, he needed more college credits in electrical engineering to be accredited as a California quality engineer. His job path took him from small to medium to large companies until he retired 12 years ago. When his wife passed away in 2007, Novel decided it was
WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.
Novel Sefein recently brought roses to the front desk. time to downsize from his two-story home in Fremont. A friend recommended Del Webb by Woodbridge; Novel and his two daughters visited and they all decided Woodbridge would be perfect. It helped that his older daughter lived in Modesto and taught middle school in Tracy. Novel tries to go to the Fitness Room every day where he works out at least an hour. He will also use the pool for exercise when it’s warm enough for his body. Other Woodbridge activities include playing backgammon at the Friday Game Night and bocce ball every Sunday afternoon. He occasionally participates in Potluck Nights and is somewhat active at the Manteca Community Senior Center, enjoying pool and luncheons. Novel rounds out his retirement years by taking European tours every summer. These average 10 to 12 days and last summer he visited the Scandinavian countries of Denmark, Sweden and Norway. He has visited Germany, Poland and Austria and Spain and Portugal on previous trips. He tentatively plans to tour Europe again this summer. Although at first Novel was hesitant about bringing in his flowers, it has turned out to be a simple act of kindness all Woodbridge residents may enjoy.
www.ourwoodbridge.net From
CULTURAL page 28
Woodbridge LIFE
of Elton John and Billy Joel. The orchestra, joined by Joseph Boucher (piano and vocals) and guest conductor George Daugherty, are sure to be greeted by an appreciative audience at the Bob Hope Theater, 242 E. Main Street, Stockton. The Modesto Symphony, like its counterpart in Stockton, has both a classics and pops concert series. It first performed in 1931, when Modesto’s population was only 17,000 and was the smallest American town to have a symphony orchestra. It became fully professional in1977. Since its beginnings, it has enhanced the Central Valley cultural life with its excellent performances. Concerts are at the Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I Street, Modesto. For tickets and more information, call the Center at 209-338-2100 or go online at www. galloarts.org. Here are the final events in the 2014-2015 series: Pops: Friday, March 13 at 8 p.m. “The Sounds of New Orleans” presents a tribute to Louis Armstrong with a rousing rendition of “When the Saints Come Marching In” and other Armstrong favorites. A virtuoso trumpeter and a well-known vocalist will also participate. Classics: Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18 at 8 p.m. “Tchaikovsky and Mozart” includes Mozart’s “Marriage of Figaro” Overture and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 in B Minor. The orchestra also introduces its premiere of “Double Concerto for Flute & Cello” by Eliot Bailen, performed by the composer and his wife, flautist Susan Rotholz. Classics: Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16 at 8 p.m. “A Sea Symphony” brings an evening of enchanting choral music when Modesto Symphony’s chorus joins its orchestra for a performance of
Page 37 • March 2015
Symphony No. 1 by Ralph Vaughan Williams. Pops: Friday, June 5 at 8 p.m. “Comedy Meets the Symphony Orchestra” gives Englishman Rainer Hersch a chance to show his expertise as a conductor, pianist and comedian. This program of music and comedy includes Rossini’s “William Tell Overture” and “The Blue Danube” by Strauss, plus other selections. The fourth annual “STRINGS: Spaghetti & Symphony” fundraiser to benefit the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra will be held Saturday, March 28, at the Charity Wall Ballroom from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. The address is 645 Charity Way, Modesto. For information about this event or about Youth Orchestra concerts in general, call the Gallo Center at 209- 338-2100 or go online at http://www.modestosymphony. org/msyo_strings_spaghetti_2014.aspx
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Woodbridge LIFE
Where in the world ?
Cruise to Hawaii - Nancy Behney, Karen Mower, Irene Sink and Bonnie Bardenhagen pose with the Captain of their Princess cruise ship.
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Wow! Woodbridge LIFE has been circling the globe with our wandering residents! We will do our best to include ALL travel photographs, but space and clarity will dictate. Preference will go to those not featured in previous editions and, yes, to those in exotic locales and interesting photo ops! Send images electronically to wblife2012@gmail.com using high resolution or actual size. Thank you for your contributions. We're happy that you continue to enjoy Woodbridge LIFE. If your picture isn't here, look for it in the coming months and keep sending them in! Sorry, we can no longer accept print photos.
Margaret and Bob Hendricksen visit the Veitshochheim Palace in Wurzburg, Germany, during a Viking river cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam.
Send travel photos to WBLIFE2012@gmail.com
Please use highest resolution and type WB TRAVEL in the subject line. All travel photos MUST be submitted electronically.
Through the Lens Photo by Jerry Bartley.
A mother hummingbird is in the process of building her nest in Jerry and Robyn Bartley's back yard.
Photo by Carole Pfoutz.
Stockbridge Park's gazebo is still beautiful through the January mist.